KUALA LUMPUR: Former national player Tan Chee Tean was killed on Saturday when the vehicle he was in met with an accident in the South of Brno, Czech Republic.
Tan, 24, who had earlier participated in a tournament in the Czech Republic as an independent player, was headed to Austria when the accident occurred.
Two shuttlers from Austria - Antonia Meinke and Jenny Ertl - were severely injured in the car accident.
He was participating in the mixed doubles in the Czech Republic International Challenge tournament.
According to a statement issued by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) this morning, Tan had enjoyed a six-year stint with BAM beginning 2012, before leaving the national setup in February this year.
“I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Tan. He was a special young talent, capable of playing in both mixed doubles and men’s doubles.
“His untimely demise is a huge loss not only to his family, but also to the badminton fraternity. The thoughts of everyone at BAM are with his family and friends at this very difficult time,” said BAM President Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria.
Last year, Dutch shuttler Eric Meijs, 26, also died in a car crash.